Bio-diversity

Project originator and executor BBPS SEMPERVIVIA Project goal Preventing from extinction of the local breed Kalofer long-haired goat, through undertaking urgent measures Project description A long-term project with two years pilot phase. Part of the strategic SEMPERVIVA activities for saving the Bulgarian heritage of local forms domestic animals. The project is going to be developed in the village of Vlahi (Pirin Mts.), where SEMPERVIVA owns a project base, Rare Breeds Center. By combination of urgent measures the Kalofer Long-haired Goat will be saved. A breed census is going to be conducted, as during the numerous expeditions the rest of the typical breed representatives are going to be discovered and organized. On those expeditions one of the most typical representatives are going to be purchased. They will form the base of a nucleus herd and selection work. During the two years pilot project phase, 60 animals are planned to be purchased. Those animals together with the 32 goats of SEMPERVIVA are going to form the nucleus herd. Until the end of the third year the flock is going to become 250 animals. These would give the project significant sustainability. During the next period establishment of dispersal flocks to different owners is going to be undertaken. During the pilot phase the necessary measures for long-term breed status improvement and its popularizing are going to be undertaken. The project has also another important function, i.e. to maintain sustainability in an area which represents rich in biodiversity semi-natural habitats. The flock is going to be raised in a traditional way as it will be grazed all year round on a territory of 35 000 ha. The area is located in South-west part of Pirin Mts. and is very close to the National park. The maintenance of those semi-natural habitats is of a big importance for some well adapted for those conditions species. Objectives Establishment of a nucleus herd from the breed Kalofer long-haired goat Building up of a suitable base (in a traditional style) for breeding the flock Improvement of the breed status Activities Searching and documenting of typical breed examples Purchase of animals to form the nucleus herd Purchase of materials for the the base building Building of project base Preparation and printing of print materials Purchase of digital photo equipment for the project purposes

Bulgaria